How to Cook Ground Chicken (Juicy, Never Dry!) – 10 Min Recipe

This easy guide to cooking ground chicken shows you how to get perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time! Whether you’re adding it to tacos, salads, or pasta dishes, ground chicken is a lean, flavorful option that works in countless recipes. With just a few ingredients and a non-stick pan, you’ll have a healthy, versatile protein ready in under 10 minutes!

Why You’ll Love How to Cook Ground Chicken

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal prep.
• Healthy Protein Option: Ground chicken is lean, high in protein, and lower in fat than other ground meats, making it a nutritious choice for many diets.
• Versatile Flavor: With a mild taste, ground chicken easily takes on the flavors of any spices or sauces, so you can use it in countless recipes.
• Minimal Ingredients: All you need are ground chicken, oil, salt, and pepper – ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Perfectly Cooked Every Time: This method ensures that the ground chicken cooks evenly, stays moist, and has a nice texture, making it ideal for any dish.

Ingredients For How to Cook Ground Chicken

• Ground Chicken Breast: The main ingredient, providing lean protein for any dish.
• Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken, adding a touch of richness and preventing sticking.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make How to Cook Ground Chicken

• Non-Stick Frying Pan: Ideal for cooking ground chicken without sticking, ensuring easy cleanup.
• Spatula: Used to break up and stir the ground chicken as it cooks for even browning.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps to measure out the oil and seasonings accurately.

How To Make How to Cook Ground Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground chicken to the pan, and begin breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
• Stir and continue breaking up the chicken every minute to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and turns a uniform white color.
• Season with salt, pepper, or any spices you like.
• Switch to a clean spatula once the chicken is fully cooked, giving it a final stir for food safety.
• Remove the cooked chicken from the pan, and serve as desired!

Serving Suggestions

• Use the cooked ground chicken as a protein-packed filling for tacos, adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, and lettuce.
• Add this flavorful chicken to salads for an easy, healthy boost of protein.
• Stir into ravioli with marinara or pasta with alfredo sauce for a hearty, delicious meal.
• Layer it over rice or quinoa salad and a drizzle of sauce for a balanced, tasty bowl.
• Mix the ground chicken with rice, herbs, and shredded cheese, then stuff into bell peppers for a delicious baked meal.

Tips For Success

• Choose Fresh Ground Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh ground chicken breast if possible. Fresh chicken will cook up juicier and tastier than frozen varieties.
• Break Up the Chicken Early: Start breaking up the chicken as soon as it hits the pan. This prevents large clumps from forming and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Ground chicken has a mild flavor, so don’t be afraid to add your favorite seasonings. Try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even Italian seasoning to enhance the taste.
• Use a Clean Spatula: For food safety, switch to a clean spatula once the chicken is fully cooked, especially if you’re stirring near the end of the cooking process.
• Monitor Heat Levels: Ground chicken cooks quickly, so keep an eye on the heat. If it starts browning too fast, lower the heat to medium. This will prevent it from drying out and help maintain a moist, tender texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh or dried herbs. Basil, oregano, and parsley work well, or try spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or coriander for extra depth.
• Switch the Oil: While olive oil is commonly used, you can substitute it with avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil based on your preference. Each oil brings a slightly different flavor and smoking point, so adjust the heat if needed.
• Try Different Ground Meats: This cooking method works well for ground turkey, beef, or even pork. Each meat has a unique flavor profile, so it’s a versatile approach for a variety of proteins.
• Make It Saucy: After cooking, mix in a sauce like teriyaki, BBQ, or marinara to turn the ground chicken into a flavorful addition for pasta, rice, or sandwich fillings.
• Vegetarian Substitute: For a plant-based version, substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or a vegetarian ground “meat.” Cook it the same way, and season generously for a tasty, meatless option.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover ground chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked ground chicken in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Lay the bag flat for easy stacking and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
• Adding Moisture: If the chicken seems dry upon reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken thigh instead of ground chicken breast?

Yes, ground chicken thigh works well in this recipe and will have a slightly richer flavor and higher fat content. It may take a minute or two longer to cook due to the extra fat.

How do I know when the ground chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it has a uniform white color throughout with no pink remaining. For extra certainty, you can check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Can I add vegetables to the pan while cooking the chicken?

Absolutely! Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added to the pan with the chicken. Just make sure they’re cut small so they cook evenly with the ground chicken.

What’s the best way to avoid clumping while cooking ground chicken?

To prevent clumping, break up the ground chicken with a spatula as soon as you add it to the pan, and continue to break it up throughout cooking. This will help it cook evenly and keep a nice crumbly texture.

Can I use this cooked ground chicken in other recipes?

Yes! This ground chicken is very versatile and works well in tacos, salads, pasta, rice bowls, or any recipe that calls for ground meat. You can also mix it with sauces like marinara, BBQ, or teriyaki for added flavor.

Other Easy Chicken Recipes

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Wrap: This zesty Buffalo chicken wrap brings together tender chicken, spicy sauce, and fresh veggies in a soft tortilla for a quick, flavor-packed meal.

Oven-Baked Lemon Greek Chicken Thighs: Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a lemony Greek seasoning blend and baked to perfection for an easy, Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Crispy Broiled Chicken Strips: These broiled chicken strips are lightly seasoned and perfectly crisp, making a delicious and healthy alternative to fried tenders.

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast with Broccoli & Cheese (Frozen): Enjoy a quick and easy air-fried stuffed chicken breast loaded with creamy broccoli and cheese straight from the freezer.

Low-Carb Chicken Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry: This healthy stir fry combines tender chicken, cauliflower rice, and colorful veggies for a delicious low-carb meal that’s ready in minutes.

One-Pan Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions: This easy sheet pan meal delivers flavorful chicken fajitas with colorful peppers and onions, all cooked together in one pan.

Keto Chicken Pesto Bake with Cheese: This creamy keto-friendly chicken pesto casserole is topped with cheese and baked to bubbling perfection, making it a comforting low-carb dinner.

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